Bench Gloat

First off…..a very big shout-out to fellow Creeker Toolz for selling this Shopsmith Workbench Pro to me. One of the best tool finds I’ve ever come across. This bench has some history to it in that it was used by Scott Phillips back when Shopsmith sponsored American Woodworker. These benches were discontinued in the early 90’s so this bench is probably a good 25 years old but you wouldn’t think it by the condition it’s in. Truly in great shape, thanks Larry for keeping it in such great condition.

The history of this bench continues with my story addition.

I had been looking at another Shopsmith workbench that was up for sale at an auction yesterday. It’s condition was outstanding also. While researching workbenches, I came across Toolz’s blog about his bench so I PM’d him to see how well he liked it after using it for a few years. He got back to me while I was driving to the auction and he shared how much he liked it and if things didn’t work out at the auction he might consider selling his. Long story short, auction bench went for a little higher than I was willing to pay and Larry sold me his today.

I’m a little bit of a Shopsmith fan, having had several of their units. I’ve graduated so to speak to dedicated machines but I still use their pro planer and use a 510 for a dedicated sanding station. But until about 2 weeks ago I never knew Shopsmith carried a workbench. They are a rare item and to find 2 of them in the same area at the same time and both being in outstanding condition is really something.